Frequently Asked Questions

Separation can be a difficult time. It's important to clarify custody arrangements for the children, reorganize finances, and seek support, whether from a professional or a trusted person. Our support services can help you navigate these steps.

Did you know: "Ex-partners are entitled to a certain number of free hours of family mediation with an accredited mediator if the mediator of their choice is willing to participate in the government family mediation program? The number of free hours varies depending on whether the ex-partners have dependent children together."

https://educaloi.qc.ca/capsules/heures-gratuites-de-mediation-familiale/

It's essential to be honest while considering your child's age and level of understanding. Keep your child out of any conflicts between you and the other parent. Use simple words, reassure your child that the separation is not their fault, and encourage them to express their emotions. Our individual support services for parents or children can help you and your child through this process.

Children need stability and consistency, especially after a separation. Keeping regular schedules, open communication, and quality time with your child helps provide them with a sense of security.

Respectful communication focused on your children’s well-being is key. We offer a supervised email exchange service between parents to encourage constructive dialogue and reduce tension.

Did you know: "Ex-partners are entitled to a certain number of free hours of family mediation with an accredited mediator if the mediator of their choice is willing to participate in the government family mediation program. The number of free hours varies depending on whether the ex-partners have dependent children together."

https://educaloi.qc.ca/capsules/heures-gratuites-de-mediation-familiale/

It’s important never to involve children in disputes or use them as messengers between parents. If communication becomes difficult, consider using a supervised email exchange service or consulting a family mediator.

Did you know: "Ex-partners are entitled to a certain number of free hours of family mediation with an accredited mediator if the mediator of their choice is willing to participate in the government family mediation program. The number of free hours varies depending on whether the ex-partners have dependent children together."

https://educaloi.qc.ca/capsules/heures-gratuites-de-mediation-familiale/

Single parenting can be overwhelming. It’s important to build a support network, whether through friends, family, or by participating in group activities. Our parent workshops provide a space to share experiences and support one another.

As a single parent who is new to Quebec, several resources can help you integrate and support your family:

• Integration Support: Many community organizations offer welcome and orientation services for newcomers. They can help you get familiar with Quebec’s systems (housing, education, health) and find the resources you need. See Carrefour d'Intercultures de Laval: https://www.carrefourintercultures.com/
• Financial Assistance: You may be eligible for various government benefits, such as family allowance, social assistance, or childcare subsidies. More information is available on the Quebec government and Revenu Québec websites.
• Psychosocial Support: Our organization offers emotional and psychosocial support services for single parents in transition. Whether you need help for yourself or your children, our team is here to support you.
• Parent Support Network: We organize workshops and discussion groups for parents experiencing family transition, so you can connect with others in similar situations and build a support network.
• Education and Childcare Services: You can get help enrolling your children in school and childcare. The Quebec Ministry of Education and school service centers provide information to help with this process.
• Legal Aid: If you need family law advice, we can refer you to free or low-cost legal clinics. Visit our "Support Resources" section for more information on legal resources.

If you need help finding these resources, please contact us. We are here to guide and support you in your situation.

At the moment, our organization provides services primarily in French. Some services may be available in English. Please contact our team for more information. However, there are other resources that offer support in English:

• 211: A free, confidential helpline available 24/7 that can connect you with community organizations based on your needs, including language preferences. You can contact 211 by phone or online to find resources such as family support, legal aid, and more, tailored to your situation.
• 811, Option 2: If you are in need of psychosocial support or mental health services, you can dial 811 and select Option 2 to speak with a professional who can offer guidance in English. This service is available 24/7.

Please feel free to contact us for further assistance, and we will do our best to guide you toward English-speaking services in the community.

As a minor in Quebec, your rights vary depending on your age.

For youth aged 13 and under

• Right to Protection: You have the right to safety and protection from mistreatment. Adults (parents, guardians, teachers, etc.) have a responsibility to ensure your safety.
• Right to Education: You have the right to go to school, and your parents or guardians must ensure you receive an adequate education.
• Right to Be Heard: You have the right to express your opinions on matters that concern you. Adults should consider your views, but final decisions are usually made by parents or adults.

For youth aged 14 and over

• Right to Protection: As with younger children, you have the right to safety and protection from mistreatment.
• Right to Be Heard: From this age, your opinion is often given more weight in decisions about your life, such as custody or visitation arrangements if your parents separate. You may also express your wishes directly to a judge if necessary.
• Right to Privacy: You have the right to privacy, including managing your communications and deciding who can access your personal information.
• Right to Education: You still have the right to education, and you can express your preferences regarding your educational path.
• Right to Consent to Medical, Psychological, or Psychosocial Services: From age 14, you can consent on your own to health services, including medical, psychological, or psychosocial follow-up. This means you can make decisions about your care without your parents’ or guardians’ permission.

Support Resources for Youth

• Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 listening and support service for youth. You can contact them at 1-800-668-6868, by texting 686868, or visit their website at jeunessejecoute.ca.
• Suicide Prevention Centre: If you need to talk or have suicidal thoughts, it's important not to be alone. You can call 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553) to get support from trained professionals.

We offer psychosocial support services, workshops for parents, children, and youth, as well as personalized support resources to help you through these challenging times. Visit our "Services" section for a full list of what we offer. Please contact us if you need help.

Visit our Services section to complete the registration form for your chosen service. You can also contact us by phone or email to discuss your needs and find the best options for your situation with a team member.

The majority of our services are offered at a low cost. We do our best to make services accessible to all families, regardless of income. You can find all cost information in the "Services" section according to the chosen service.

Yes! We offer group workshops (starting at age 6) and individual support services for children and teens experiencing parental separation or family transition, starting at age 4.

The child or teen is at the heart of our intervention. This service helps normalize their experience, support their adaptation, provide tools for healthy emotional management, and allows them to express themselves in a neutral space about their new family reality. Our team supports them to ease their transition and find answers to their current needs. It’s a place where children or teens can freely talk about their new reality and related emotions.

Yes, we have services tailored for blended families, including individual support and group workshops to help with challenges related to family blending.

We offer individual follow-up meetings and some workshops virtually for those who cannot attend in person. These online sessions provide flexible support from home.

However, our individual support service and group workshops for children are offered only in person to encourage direct interaction and an engaging environment. For teens, services can be offered virtually if needed, depending on the situation.

Contact us to learn more about our online services and to determine the best option for you and your family.

Our parent group workshops cover topics such as co-parenting, new family realities, adapting to separation, parental roles, and more.

Our children’s group workshops provide a safe space for children to share their emotions and experiences with others in similar situations and to better understand and manage their feelings.

Our teen group workshops are a safe environment where young people can meet to talk and receive support alongside a qualified professional. The group aims to foster better self-esteem and emotional resilience.

Absolutely. Whether you are currently in transition or have been a single parent for some time, our services are designed to meet your needs at any stage.

Our services are for all families experiencing a family transition, whether you are a couple, separated, a single parent, or in a blended family. Contact us to speak with a team member to assess your situation and needs so we can refer you to the right service.

No, you don't need to be referred by a professional to access our services. Our services are voluntary, which means that the consent of the parent(s) or teenager aged 14 or over is required to use the services, depending on the service requested.

This service helps parents in conflict communicate in a secure and structured way. Our team supervises email exchanges (in cc) to ensure they remain respectful and constructive, focusing on the children’s needs. Clear rules are set at the start of the service to guide discussions. If these rules are not followed, our team will intervene to remind parents of expectations and encourage appropriate communication, aiming to improve communication and protect the well-being of the children.

Since this is a voluntary service, both parents must agree and be open to participate. If a parent refuses or the file is closed due to non-compliance with the rules, we can discuss other options to support the parent who wants to engage in the process.